The Thirteenth Sermon, the Fifth on the Second Chapter - - Ephesians 2:13-15

"But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace." - Ephesians 2:13-15

We have also learned that by our very nature, we stand as adversaries to God, having strayed far from the path of righteousness through the sin of Adam. Consequently, our essence is marred by wickedness and insubordination. Despite humanity's attempts to placate and flatter themselves, it is an undeniable truth that we cannot present anything before the Almighty that would not kindle His righteous wrath. God, therefore, may justifiably disown us as His creation. In light of this reality, we must turn to our Lord Jesus Christ, for it is through Him alone that we may approach God.

In the days of old, the Jewish people enjoyed a unique closeness to God by virtue of His choice. It was not that they were inherently more virtuous than the rest of the world, but rather God's benevolence had singled them out. Thus, prior to the advent of our Lord Jesus Christ, a distinction existed: one group stood nearer to God, while the other appeared more distant. This distinction, however, should not be interpreted as an intrinsic superiority of the Jews over the Gentiles. As previously discussed, it was purely due to God's gracious election that the Jews were considered a part of His divine household.

Turning our attention to the Gentiles, St. Paul emphasizes a profound transformation. Once distant from God, they have now been brought near through the sacrificial work of Jesus Christ on the cross. This highlights the magnificence of God's grace. As previously noted, comprehending the depth of our wretchedness before God's intervention is vital. Without this understanding, we cannot fully appreciate the magnitude of our indebtedness to Him and the extent of His mercy. When we realize our condition—cursed from birth, under the dominion of the enemy, enslaved to sin, and seemingly facing a stern divine judgment—we can truly grasp the mercy that has rescued us from the brink of eternal despair and ushered us into the kingdom of heaven. Through Jesus Christ, our inheritance in this heavenly kingdom is certain. The boundless goodness of God is beyond our comprehension, making this topic worthy of revisitation. There's no need to fear repetition, for it serves as a reminder to honor God appropriately and maintain unwavering faith, allowing us to approach Him as our Father with confidence, assured of His acceptance, provided we are united with His only Son through faith in the gospel.

Furthermore, it's essential to recognize that it is through our Lord Jesus Christ, who reconciled us to God the Father through His sacrificial death, that we now draw near to the heavenly kingdom. We were once far removed from it, without hope of access or entry. Though Paul's initial audience was a particular nation, the message is universal. Today, the Holy Spirit imparts the same doctrine to prompt us to acknowledge our own wretchedness, humble ourselves, and accept the immeasurable blessings offered through the gospel in Christ. Additionally, Paul underscores that Christ is our peace, unifying both Jews and Gentiles, including those who were far off and those who were near. Just as in his earlier statement, where he aimed to humble the Gentiles and emphasize their indebtedness to God, here he offers a caution to the Jews, urging them to restrain their pride. They should not consider themselves superior solely because of God's choice of their lineage. People have a tendency to exalt themselves, and some among the Jews, who misused God's grace, believed their ancestry, tracing back to Abraham, placed them on a divine pedestal. They perceived it as an injustice when informed that the Church would encompass both Jews and Gentiles without exception. They needed to be reminded frequently that God's selection of them was not based on their merits, nobility, or any personal qualities but solely on His love for their forefathers, irrespective of their merit.

Frequently, Moses and the prophets admonished the people, urging them not to claim any merit for themselves but to rely entirely on God's boundless goodness. They were to acknowledge that any superiority they might possess over others was not of their own making or for their own sake but solely because it pleased God to set them apart for His inheritance.

However, despite their proximity to God and the assurance of being regarded as His children, the Jews could not deny their desperate need for salvation. When they honestly examined themselves, they had to confront the fact that God was justly displeased with them. Their thoughts, desires, souls, and bodies were tainted by corruption, a sobering reality that should fill us with awe when we consider our own condition.

The Jews had the rituals and symbols of the law as tangible reminders of God's grace toward them. But these outward practices were insufficient; the blood of animals could not cleanse their sins or secure God's favor. Therefore, it was imperative for them to turn to Jesus Christ. St. Paul underscores that the Jews should not arrogantly exclude the Gentiles from the Church, deeming them unworthy. Instead, Jesus Christ serves as the mediator for both, leading them to God the Father. Without Him, every one of us, regardless of status, would be cut off from the hope of salvation. In this context, no one should disdain their neighbor; rather, they should embrace each other in unity of faith and love, recognizing that all of us, from the greatest to the least, would be justifiably excluded from God's Church if not for His grace.

In a similar vein, James urges the prominent figures of this world to find their glory in humility, recognizing that God has removed the veils that blinded them to their own wretchedness. Often, those in positions of power misuse their status, considering themselves exceptional, until they come face to face with God's truth. Consequently, the worldly elite have their vision clouded, leading them astray and allowing them to act without restraint. James advises them to take pride in their lowhness because the Lord reveals their utter helplessness on their own, yet extends His boundless mercy to them.

Therefore, the key to forging the unity we need is for each of us, in our unique way, to acknowledge our wretched and pitiable state. As we surrender ourselves to God's mercy and grace, we must understand that His mercy is all-encompassing and not subject to our limitations or restrictions. Instead, since He has chosen us, it is our duty to embrace those whom He has gathered into the same fellowship with us. This underscores the notion that our Lord Jesus Christ is the peacemaker for all people, encompassing both those who were once close and those who were once distant. Yet, as previously mentioned, this is a reminder to counteract the excessive pride of the Jews, who sought to exclude the Gentiles from God's kingdom. It reinforces the idea that if we desire Jesus Christ to be our mediator, providing us access to God the Father and guiding us, it must all rest on God's sheer mercy. We must avoid foolishly asserting superiority or preference over others and recognize that we all depend on God's infinite mercy, for we were all ensnared by sin, as St. Paul states elsewhere.

Now, we must apply these lessons to our own lives. At times, people may think themselves more esteemed by God because some have lived honorable and virtuous lives, while others were born into humble circumstances. Some may possess outstanding virtues or talents, and each person seeks to present something they believe God might favor in them over their neighbors.

Yet, let us understand that even if we appear close to God outwardly, the only way to truly have His favor, to call upon Him with hope, and to trust that He will embrace us in His fatherly love is for Jesus Christ to be our head. How can this be? It is certain that He came to save the lost. As stated elsewhere, it is an undeniable truth that our Lord Jesus Christ came to call back to salvation those who were condemned. Therefore, let us learn to humble ourselves with genuine modesty, not just a superficial withdrawal, but a complete abasement and lowering of ourselves, that God may receive the glory He deserves. None of us should exalt ourselves above another but should become one body, for this is the condition upon which we are called.

Furthermore, let us contemplate the title given to our Lord Jesus Christ, that He is our peace. Without Him, we would forever feel like straw or blocks, for those with any awareness of their sins cannot find peace without profound inner turmoil. They are so restless that it would be better for them to be buried underground than to feel eternally exposed before God's judgment seat, tormented in such a manner. Therefore, if we do not have Jesus Christ as our peace, the awakening of our consciences will surely distress us, making us feel that God stands against us as an enemy, or it will completely numb our senses, rendering us like brute beasts. We will not only fall into a sinful slumber but also be ensnared by the devil, feeling no more sorrow or remorse for our sins.

The importance of recognizing that Jesus Christ is our peace cannot be overstated. Firstly, it should deeply move us, making us acutely aware of our sins and leading us to sorrow for them when we consider that God's judgment awaits us. Thus, He calls none but those who are burdened and weary to Himself. Furthermore, we come to realize that we can dispel all doubt and mistrust because, despite provoking God's anger, it is appeased through our Lord Jesus Christ. Whereas we once waged a constant war against God, Jesus Christ has reconciled us. Where God once disowned us for our sins and our wicked, corrupt nature, Jesus Christ has removed all such barriers so that God may accept us not only as His creatures made in His image but also as His beloved children, whom He has adopted to be heirs of His kingdom.

When we grasp this truth completely, the restless world will no longer sway and stagger as many do today, shifting from one extreme to another. Their actions often revolve around their pride, preventing them from coming directly to God. They rely on their own free will and merits, oblivious to the grace of Jesus Christ. They distance themselves from it as much as possible, and in the meantime, God deals with them according to their deserving. Those so infatuated with self-righteousness that they believe they can lead a life worthy of approaching God and earning something from Him will find their merits and satisfactions dissipate like the wind when they need them most. They fall into another extreme, wondering how they can come to God without intermediaries and advocates. They invent so many mediators that it becomes astonishing. In the process, they continually overlook Jesus Christ and create their own paths instead of turning to Him, who is the true way. Consequently, as they abandon the correct path that cannot lead them astray, they wander aimlessly in various directions. After much exertion, they end up breaking both their arms and legs, only to discover that the further they progress, the farther they move away from God.

Therefore, it becomes all the more crucial for us to grasp the significance of these words spoken by Paul. In them, we find the assurance that our gracious God will lovingly welcome us if we have Jesus Christ as our peace and refuge. Thus, let us contemplate the remainder of the text I mentioned earlier: "Find rest for your souls." Through these words, our Lord Jesus Christ desires us to comprehend that anyone who separates themselves from Him, not finding contentment in Him as their mediator, will remain in a perpetual state of restlessness. Even if they attempt to reassure themselves and deceive their own hearts with various assurances, they will be plagued by anxiety and will not find solid ground to stand upon. They will lack a safe harbor to shield them from life's storms. Therefore, it is our duty to turn to our Lord Jesus Christ and firmly resolve that He alone is our peace if we wish to approach God freely and without hesitation.

In conclusion, every individual, without exception, whether they are near or far from God, must come together in unity. If anyone believes there is inherent value or worthiness within themselves, they will never turn to our Lord Jesus Christ until they forsake such notions. Conversely, even if we find ourselves beyond hope in the eyes of the world, we can be assured that our Lord Jesus Christ is entirely capable of erasing the memory of all our iniquities. In doing so, God will embrace us in His favor. St. Paul, after affirming that Jesus Christ came to save wretched sinners, serves as an example himself. Despite his past as a persecutor of the church and an enemy of the truth, even shedding innocent blood, he was not only welcomed into the congregation but was also chosen as an apostle to spread the message of salvation throughout the world. God lavished the riches of His goodness upon him. Therefore, if we place our trust in our Lord Jesus Christ and seek reconciliation with God the Father through His sacrificial death, even if we were in the depths of despair, Jesus Christ would draw us out from there. He would vividly demonstrate that the title bestowed upon Him is not mere imagination.

Furthermore, Paul emphasizes that Jesus Christ has torn down the barrier that once separated them. He employs this analogy to elucidate that the rituals and symbols of the law have been abolished. There is now nothing obstructing our unity in peace and brotherly love. Shortly thereafter, he likens the rituals of the law to a dividing wall. Just as we now have baptism as a distinguishing mark from the heathen, God instituted circumcision for the Jews when He chose them. Once we receive baptism, we bear the sign that identifies us as part of His church and the flock of His Son, Jesus Christ. Similarly, during the time of the law, circumcision served this purpose, and sacrifices attested to God's forgiveness of their sins. As a result, since this privilege was exclusively bestowed upon the descendants of Abraham, it acted as a dividing wall, like a fence or enclosure for livestock. God, as evidenced in the Song of Moses, extended His divine protection to the lineage of Abraham, setting them apart from the rest of the world. They were God's treasured possession, and the rituals served as walls or boundaries to maintain this distinct relationship, safeguarding this people under God's care and guardianship.

Concerning the Gentiles, they were left to their own ways, even to their own detriment. God did not grant them the privilege of revealing His righteousness to them. St. Paul explicitly highlights that God allowed them to persist in their errors, and in this aspect, they were akin to wretched beasts. St. Paul's point about the ceremonies acting as a wall to separate the Jews from the Gentiles becomes clear in this context. However, these barriers have all been dismantled because Jesus Christ, who embodies truth and substance, has come to dispel these shadows. The ceremonial law wasn't given to consume the people with itself, as hypocrites often do, distorting God's intention. It was given to sustain them in hopeful anticipation until our Lord Jesus Christ was manifested in the world.

It was not without reason that all these things were abolished by His advent. For Christ, as the Son of Righteousness, has illuminated us. Hence, there's no need for us to remain ensnared by dark shadows any longer. Through Him, enmity has been eradicated because we are now joined with the lineage that God had consecrated for Himself. There is no longer any division, for we, by faith, have become the descendants of Abraham, forming one spiritual family. Unlike the ceremonies of the old law, Baptism and the Lord's Supper, the sacraments established by Christ, do not engender divisions. While we remain separate from unbelievers and those who have not entered God's Church, no single nation is favored by God as unique to itself. His grace is extended to all. The distinctions that once existed, asserting that we were descendants of Abraham while excluding others, have been abolished. As attested in numerous passages in Scripture, there is now neither Jew nor Gentile. Therefore, anyone who calls upon the name of God, regardless of their nationality, is equally cherished and embraced by Him, as St. Peter observed in Acts 16 and his first epistle.

Baptism and the Lord's Supper now serve to unite the entire world. Even the most uncivilized peoples can approach God, and they will be received as baptism is conferred upon them, for it belongs to all who are incorporated into the body of the only Son of God. Let us apply this text for our spiritual growth. First and foremost, let us recognize that the abolition of the ceremonies, particularly their fulfillment, was the key to opening the gates of heaven to us. The realization of these ceremonies was entirely revealed in our Lord Jesus Christ. They were not trivial or unproductive. Nevertheless, we must refrain from employing them as if we possess their full perfection in Jesus Christ. Instead, we should acknowledge how God has lavished His goodness on those He had once excluded. This is how we belong to Him today, and this is why the gospel is proclaimed to the entire world. Even though the world may have been steeped in utter darkness and desolation, God fulfills what is proclaimed in His law: He continues His mercy for a thousand generations. This is the foremost lesson to imprint upon our hearts.

Furthermore, while baptism is not exclusive to any particular people, city, or country, it designates us as God's own when He bestows upon us the privilege of His sacraments. It serves as a seal of our adoption and nourishes the hope instilled in us through the gospel. It's true that those who later turn away from our Lord Jesus Christ render their baptism void. However, this forfeiture comes at a great cost because the pledge and guarantee provided by God to signify our union with Jesus Christ are too precious to be misused. Those who bear the name of the Church but lead lives marked by disorder and dissipation will eventually face the consequences of defiling their baptism, an ordinance ordained by God for their salvation.

On our part, let us exercise caution and conduct ourselves as individuals set apart from the contamination of the world. As articulated by St. Peter, Jesus Christ has gathered us to Himself for the very purpose of glorifying Him, acknowledging His deliverance from the darkness of this world and the grip of the devil into His divine light. As seen in the Epistle to the Galatians, Jesus Christ's sacrificial death is intended to draw us away from all impurity and moral filthiness of the world. Similarly, in the first Epistle to the Thessalonians, St. Paul underscores that our calling is not to impurity but to purity. We are called to consecrate ourselves to God in holiness, thereby genuinely honoring Him with all that He has bestowed upon us.

The vital lesson we should derive from these words of Saint Paul is that we must not wander aimlessly like untamed and irrational beasts, nor should we resist the yoke of God. Instead, we should bear it with genuine obedience and abstain from our own sinful desires, earnestly endeavoring to walk as holy individuals wholly devoted to God, His cherished heritage. This is how we should embody the teachings of this text in our lives today.

Furthermore, Saint Paul emphasizes that Jesus Christ accomplished these divine acts in the flesh, signifying His connection to our human nature. This provides us with the assurance that, in His person, we are counted as God's beloved children. Just as we were all ensnared in Adam's downfall, we are now restored to the hope of salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, often referred to as the second Adam. We can confidently trust that God will forever be our Father for the sake of Christ. Notably, Jesus Christ did not assume the nature of angels; instead, He became a descendant of Abraham. While Matthew's genealogy of Jesus Christ commences with Abraham, underscoring the fulfillment of promises spanning generations, Luke takes us even further back, revealing that Jesus Christ preexisted even before Adam. It is true that He was conceived miraculously by the Holy Spirit in His mother's womb. However, He remains the genuine descendant of Abraham, David, and Adam. In Him, we discover ourselves as true siblings, united with Him in His humanity, as we shall explore further in the fifth chapter. Thus, we can be certain that through Him, God has adopted us as His cherished children, and there is no need to search far, for we are intimately connected with His very essence.

In essence, Saint Paul's assertion that Jesus Christ accomplished all these divine acts in the flesh conveys that despite His heavenly glory and divine majesty, He willingly assumed our human nature in every aspect, with the exception of sin. He bore our sufferings, needs, and wretchedness, fully embracing our humanity to extend His boundless compassion to us. We can rest assured that when we present ourselves before God, we become united with Him through His only Son. Jesus Christ, being both true God and kin to us through His incarnation, willingly humbled Himself and emptied Himself completely. Likewise, He will exalt us to share in His heavenly glory. This is why He is referred to as our brother, and this single truth dispels all uncertainties. When we question whether God will accept us, we need not look further than this affirmation that Jesus Christ is our brother. What more profound realization do we require to comprehend the vast separation from defilement and the immense rescue God has wrought, affirming His fatherly love upon which our salvation firmly rests, all through the person of Jesus Christ?

However, it is truly disheartening that some misguided individuals among the Papists, in their lack of guidance and wisdom, find themselves in a state of perpetual indecision. They seek to venerate a multitude of saints, including the Virgin Mary, St. Michael, St. Peter, and countless others, depending on their superstitious inclinations. Yet, their devotion is marred by restlessness, for they lack the firm foundation of God's Word. When confronted with perplexity, they resemble lost captives, utterly bewildered, unable to find solace no matter how much they toss and turn.

In stark contrast, we possess the unshakable assurance that our Lord Jesus Christ is the source of our peace, reconciling us with God the Father. This is an invaluable blessing for which we should willingly endure even ten thousand deaths if necessary. Saint Paul elucidates that the law consisted of ordinances and decrees, signifying that God did not nullify the law of righteous living when extending salvation to the Gentiles. Instead, He abolished only the ceremonies that were intended for a specific period and the lineage of Abraham.

You can discern, then, what was truly abolished. Therefore, let us set aside the ceremonial aspects of the law, such as circumcision, sacrificial rituals, the observance of festival days in the manner they were previously practiced, dietary restrictions, ceremonial lights, incense, and all that was prescribed in written form by Moses. All these practices have faded away with the advent of Christ. However, we must steadfastly uphold the law that God has bequeathed to us, which remains unaltered. This divine law requires us to worship Him with purity, call upon His name, place our unwavering trust in Him, offer Him our homage for the abundant blessings He has bestowed upon us, and hallow His holy name. Furthermore, it is my counsel that we lead lives of moral purity, maintain goodwill and a clear conscience toward our fellow human beings, causing no harm to anyone. Lastly, let us distance ourselves from the impurities and corruptions of the world.

In this passage, it becomes clear that the divine law, which God has bestowed upon us as a guiding light for our lives, remains unaltered. It has not been abolished; only the aspects of it that comprised traditions and rituals, serving their purpose during the time of Moses and the prophets, and destined to find fulfillment in Jesus Christ, have been set aside. Hence, it is evident that since we were required to leave behind these shadows, which held their full significance during the era of Moses and the prophets, it is even more fitting that the Christian church refrains from burdening itself with human inventions.

As illuminated by St. Paul's teachings, we must find contentment in God's law, which instructs us in the ways of faithful living. This involves the pursuit of righteousness, justice, faithfulness, and mercy, with a particular emphasis on genuine and spiritual communion with God through prayer. Take note of this crucial point. Furthermore, he asserts that the shadows of the law in these times are not just unnecessary but act as a veil that shrouds us in darkness, obscuring our perception of our Lord Jesus Christ as we should see Him, reflected in the gospel. Therefore, we must conclude that the righteousness demanded of us differs from the misguided perceptions held by the Papists. All the practices they uphold as divine service are nothing more than hollow rituals, serving merely to obscure the profound work of our Lord Jesus Christ. These unfortunate souls are entrapped by such rituals, placing their entire reliance upon them.

When I speak of misguided souls, I refer to even those who consider themselves highly knowledgeable, for they too find themselves ensnared like lost animals. Therefore, let us learn to hold steadfastly to the simplicity of the gospel and look to our Lord Jesus Christ within its sacred pages. He has drawn near to us, allowing us to be uplifted by Him, and granting us the confidence to address God as our Father, seeking refuge in Him without hesitation when we approach Him sincerely. Let us now humble ourselves before the majesty of our benevolent God, confessing our shortcomings. We earnestly pray that as He grants us an ever-deepening awareness of our sins, it will lead us to sincere repentance, righteous living, and a holy way of life. Recognizing our frailty and the presence of many vices within us, may it please Him to sustain us until He calls us from this world and brings to completion the transformation of our image, conforming it to His own likeness, in accordance with the divine work that He has initiated within us. Let us all say, "Almighty God, Heavenly Father, etc."